MOSCOW, Idaho - The University of Idaho Vandals accepted an invitation Sunday afternoon to play in the 2009 Roady's Humanitarian Bowl.

The highly anticipated invitation caps a season during which the Vandals exceeded everyone's expectations - except their own. With coach Robb Akey preaching bowl at every turn, the Vandals finished the regular season at 7-5, 4-4 in the Western Athletic Conference and are in their first bowl since 1998.

"We're very excited to be representing our conference in the Humanitarian Bowl," Akey said. "It's great that this is the bowl we're going to, too. It's our state capitol. We have a ton of alums in the community. It's going to be an awesome time.

"It's the best time of year and we're going to be a part of it."

The Vandals play Bowling Green State University in the Dec. 30 game at Bronco Stadium at Boise. Kickoff for the nationally televised ESPN game is 1:30 p.m. (Pacific), 2:30 p.m. (Mountain). The Falcons of the Mid-American Conference also are 7-5.

"We're delighted to have two highly-respected, well-coached teams represented in the Bowl," said Kevin McDonald, executive director, Roady's Humanitarian Bowl. "Both teams have shown the propensity to light up the scoreboard with a high-powered passing attack which should appeal to a national audience that is accustomed to excitement in the Bowl."

The Vandals' achievement drew praise from within the Kibbie Dome and across campus.

"This is a tremendous accomplishment by our football team," director of athletics Rob Spear said. "We are excited about the opportunity to showcase our University and represent the WAC in an Idaho bowl."

"Today is a proud day for Vandals everywhere," Idaho President Duane Nellis said. "This has been a great season, and Coach Robb Akey's work over the past three years has developed a team that reflects the many leadership qualities we value.

"The university's legacy of leading is reflected in a strong commitment to serving our communities and we admire and share that value with the Humanitarian Bowl, whose efforts to involve student-athletes in the Boise community leading up to the bowl game are so meaningful. We're looking forward to a great experience in Boise."

Tickets for the Roady's Humanitarian Bowl are available now. Prices range from $18-55 and can be purchased through the University of Idaho ticket office at 208-885-6466 or TicketsWest.com.